THE LORD’S INSTRUMENTS (PART 2)
“DOING WHAT’S RIGHT IN GOD’S EYES”
The postexilic period (538-400 B.C.) is both the end of Old Testament history and the beginning of the Intertestamental Era. During this time Hebrews were allowed to return to their homeland and rebuilt the temple. Four distinct trips to Judah are mentioned in the Bible: The first was led by Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:1-8) and Seshbazzar (Ezra 5:1-16), the second by Ezra the scribe (Ezra 7:1-7), and then 100 years later after the return of the first exiles Nehemiah leads the people in repairing the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:17-18). We can see how God uses different people to accomplish the task of rebuilding his place of worship. These men did not quibble nor complained as to how big this job would be or how long it would take to accomplish. Despite the opposition and threat to their lives they loved God more and wanted to do what was right in God’s eyes.
When we place ourselves in God’s hands and pray for the Lord’s guidance in what we do, things fall into place. It says “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.” (Nehemiah 2:8) The work got started by Zerubbabel and Seshbazzar then halted, but God raised two more men to finish the project. Ezra and Nehemiah are these two men. These men are examples of being instruments of honor in God’s hands. Ezra provided leadership for his people. He taught the people the law and brought about reforms of their religious lifestyle. He wanted other nations to know that they were God’s chosen people. It says “Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.” (Ezra 7:28) Sometimes, what God wants us to do seems in our eyes BIG, but God is there if you call upon him – He will give you strength and give you courage. (Neh.8: 10) Nehemiah was also a man of prayer, in the midst of opposition and insults thrown at him and the workers who were rebuilding, he stopped and prayed and told the people: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, yours sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (Neh.4: 14) Both Ezra and Nehemiah remained faithful to God’s demands despite the deceptive pressures of Hellenism and the later faithlessness of the priesthood; they did what was right in God’s eyes. My prayer for us is to learn from these examples and do what is pleasing to the LORD. It says in Romans 12: 2 “Let us not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
THE LORD’S INSTRUMENTS (PART 1)
The Old Testament gives us examples of men and women God used as instruments to fulfill his promise. But one person that stands out because of his character and having the right attitude is the priest Ezra. Not many people study Ezra or even spend time learning about his accomplishments, because he didn’t do great things like Moses, Joshua or David. I give him credit for having the right attitude when it came to serving God. Here is a man that comes back with a second group of Babylonian exiles to Jerusalem and while God is using Zerubbabel to be leader on the rebuilding of God’s temple; Ezra is teaching about the Law. So here you have one person leading the rebuilding, another teaching God’s word. But just when things couldn’t get better, trouble arises. It says, “despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation…” (Ezra 3:3) Doesn’t this sound familiar, especially when we try to serve the Lord, there’s always opposition, and sometimes it comes from those closest us?
The people who lived around Jerusalem were pagan; they worshipped other God’s and did not know the God of Israel. All they knew was that these new neighbors are here and they are doing something we don’t understand, they are worshipping their God and we don’t like it! Could it be that they were acting out of fear, because they knew the power of Israel’s God? But this was not going to deter the Jews from accomplishing their goal that is, to rebuild a place of worship for their God. Ezra and the Jews were determined to get the job done. Their hearts were in the right place; they were not focused in themselves, but in giving honor to the Lord. When we have the right attitude and character, when we put God ahead and not behind, he will be gracious unto us.
Today, as we discover the ministry God has given to us, let us walk with the right attitude bringing honor and glory to what we do and accomplish, Ezra was an instrument of honor that God used to teach the Law to Israel in a time when they needed to be reminded of what their God had done for them. The times may be different, but the message is the same – let us continue to serve and worship a most gracious God who has done so much for us.
The Old Testament gives us examples of men and women God used as instruments to fulfill his promise. But one person that stands out because of his character and having the right attitude is the priest Ezra. Not many people study Ezra or even spend time learning about his accomplishments, because he didn’t do great things like Moses, Joshua or David. I give him credit for having the right attitude when it came to serving God. Here is a man that comes back with a second group of Babylonian exiles to Jerusalem and while God is using Zerubbabel to be leader on the rebuilding of God’s temple; Ezra is teaching about the Law. So here you have one person leading the rebuilding, another teaching God’s word. But just when things couldn’t get better, trouble arises. It says, “despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation…” (Ezra 3:3) Doesn’t this sound familiar, especially when we try to serve the Lord, there’s always opposition, and sometimes it comes from those closest us?
The people who lived around Jerusalem were pagan; they worshipped other God’s and did not know the God of Israel. All they knew was that these new neighbors are here and they are doing something we don’t understand, they are worshipping their God and we don’t like it! Could it be that they were acting out of fear, because they knew the power of Israel’s God? But this was not going to deter the Jews from accomplishing their goal that is, to rebuild a place of worship for their God. Ezra and the Jews were determined to get the job done. Their hearts were in the right place; they were not focused in themselves, but in giving honor to the Lord. When we have the right attitude and character, when we put God ahead and not behind, he will be gracious unto us.
Today, as we discover the ministry God has given to us, let us walk with the right attitude bringing honor and glory to what we do and accomplish, Ezra was an instrument of honor that God used to teach the Law to Israel in a time when they needed to be reminded of what their God had done for them. The times may be different, but the message is the same – let us continue to serve and worship a most gracious God who has done so much for us.
Monday, June 2, 2008
GOD’S REFLECTION ON US
It says in Genesis 5:1 that when God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.
To fully understand this concept, I grasped on God’s word in the book of Genesis to appreciate what this meant. My awareness of this has broadened, and I truly respect what these words mean. First, one of the insights I gained from this - is that I should have a respect for my Creator. He is above all other gods that are manmade or even resemble to be like him. His creation of man gave us value and worth. He placed man in a great place called Garden of Eden. It was the best place on earth with all that man could possibly fathom to have and need. Everything was at his disposable. His authority over animals and every creature on land and sea were at his domain. If this isn’t giving value to someone then what is!
Secondly, man had a personal relationship with God and communicated with him. Adam was to be God’s representative with fullness of holiness and worth, because he bore God’s image. But as you continue reading the story in Genesis – man’s fall to sin separated us from a holy God. God is so merciful that he did not erase mankind from the earth. He gave us another chance through his son Jesus Christ who died for all of mankind’s sins, so that our relationship with God would be restored. God’s part was fulfilled, but ours remains to be done.
Finally, God still loves us, he cares for us and we are still held at precious value and worth in his eyes. When sin enters our lives it blinds us from seeing the worth God has placed on us – his creation. He has made a way for man to reconcile with Him. It is by accepting Jesus his son into our lives. When we become saved, the veil that separated us between God and sin is no longer dividing us from our Creator. We look at Jesus as our mediator; our redeemer from sin. And in our acceptance of Christ, God’s grace fills us again with his holiness. The holiness and fellowship with God has been restored. I can say: “I am now a representative of God, I have worth and value, and I am a holy vessel for God.” Therefore, I am reminded from God in 1 Peter 1:16 to “Be holy, because I am holy.” Only my godly behavior and faith will show others God’s reflection in my life. We owe it to God to have His reflection in us.
It says in Genesis 5:1 that when God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.
To fully understand this concept, I grasped on God’s word in the book of Genesis to appreciate what this meant. My awareness of this has broadened, and I truly respect what these words mean. First, one of the insights I gained from this - is that I should have a respect for my Creator. He is above all other gods that are manmade or even resemble to be like him. His creation of man gave us value and worth. He placed man in a great place called Garden of Eden. It was the best place on earth with all that man could possibly fathom to have and need. Everything was at his disposable. His authority over animals and every creature on land and sea were at his domain. If this isn’t giving value to someone then what is!
Secondly, man had a personal relationship with God and communicated with him. Adam was to be God’s representative with fullness of holiness and worth, because he bore God’s image. But as you continue reading the story in Genesis – man’s fall to sin separated us from a holy God. God is so merciful that he did not erase mankind from the earth. He gave us another chance through his son Jesus Christ who died for all of mankind’s sins, so that our relationship with God would be restored. God’s part was fulfilled, but ours remains to be done.
Finally, God still loves us, he cares for us and we are still held at precious value and worth in his eyes. When sin enters our lives it blinds us from seeing the worth God has placed on us – his creation. He has made a way for man to reconcile with Him. It is by accepting Jesus his son into our lives. When we become saved, the veil that separated us between God and sin is no longer dividing us from our Creator. We look at Jesus as our mediator; our redeemer from sin. And in our acceptance of Christ, God’s grace fills us again with his holiness. The holiness and fellowship with God has been restored. I can say: “I am now a representative of God, I have worth and value, and I am a holy vessel for God.” Therefore, I am reminded from God in 1 Peter 1:16 to “Be holy, because I am holy.” Only my godly behavior and faith will show others God’s reflection in my life. We owe it to God to have His reflection in us.
Monday, May 26, 2008
"I CRY FOR THEM" BY MARY VANSHER
This poem is dedicated to the men and women who fought, and are fighting in Iraq. May the Lord bless them and their families.
I cry for them
That is at war
Seeing the battling
soldier torn.
Amidst the blazing fire of night,
Calling the brother to his side.
As day approaches
All is clear,
But the remains of parts to drear
For as they clamor
To the falling site,
‘God speed my day till dawn appears’.
I cry for them, I cry for them,
Let Heaven hear my voice a near.
I cry for them
That is at war
Seeing the battling
soldier torn.
Amidst the blazing fire of night,
Calling the brother to his side.
As day approaches
All is clear,
But the remains of parts to drear
For as they clamor
To the falling site,
‘God speed my day till dawn appears’.
I cry for them, I cry for them,
Let Heaven hear my voice a near.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
GOD IS OUR STRENGTH
“Thou will keep him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on thee, because he
trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever:
for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting
strength” Isaiah 26:3-4 (KJV)
Just recently, my son Billy lost his license during his visit home. It was upsetting for me, because as a mom we don’t like seeing our children go through troubles. But a scriptural verse came to mind:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
It carried a message that lifted my Spirit when I repeatedly quoted it in my mind. It tells me that we can take cover from the darted flames that Satan throws at us. That God will shield us and protect us. (Psalm 91:4) He will provide for us victory when we are discouraged, in troubles, in sickness, or any problems we face. It says to me that we are more than conquerors and nothing is impossible when we call on His name.
It is the Lord’s strength that made a little boy named David battle the Philistine giant Goliath. David proved to his brothers, King Saul and soldiers, that in the name of Lord there is victory. It was God’s strength David trusted. God’s spirit was working in David. It is that spirit of strength working in us today, and will bring victory against all troubles.
God shows his Sovereignty, his control over situations. He simply wants our trust in Him. He wants us to ask him. Jesus said: “Ask and it shall be given to you…”(Matt. 7:7)
My peace, was trusting God to take charge of my son’s problem. But how many of us take the time to pray in a given situation? Sometimes, our problems defeat us because we think “Stinking Thinking”. We say: “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done.” When we think this way, we are saying to God that we don’t need Him. He is not big enough to control the situation. It is ungodly to think this way. I say: “God Is Our Strength, therefore he will take charge over my trouble.” God uses people or things to turn around a situation.
My son’s story ended in victory. God used an unidentified person who mailed his license. The envelope had no return address. The person wanted to keep it anonymous. God gets the glory. He answered our prayers and he gets the praise. What a magnificent God we serve! HE IS OUR STRENGTH!
Whose mind is stayed on thee, because he
trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever:
for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting
strength” Isaiah 26:3-4 (KJV)
Just recently, my son Billy lost his license during his visit home. It was upsetting for me, because as a mom we don’t like seeing our children go through troubles. But a scriptural verse came to mind:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
It carried a message that lifted my Spirit when I repeatedly quoted it in my mind. It tells me that we can take cover from the darted flames that Satan throws at us. That God will shield us and protect us. (Psalm 91:4) He will provide for us victory when we are discouraged, in troubles, in sickness, or any problems we face. It says to me that we are more than conquerors and nothing is impossible when we call on His name.
It is the Lord’s strength that made a little boy named David battle the Philistine giant Goliath. David proved to his brothers, King Saul and soldiers, that in the name of Lord there is victory. It was God’s strength David trusted. God’s spirit was working in David. It is that spirit of strength working in us today, and will bring victory against all troubles.
God shows his Sovereignty, his control over situations. He simply wants our trust in Him. He wants us to ask him. Jesus said: “Ask and it shall be given to you…”(Matt. 7:7)
My peace, was trusting God to take charge of my son’s problem. But how many of us take the time to pray in a given situation? Sometimes, our problems defeat us because we think “Stinking Thinking”. We say: “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done.” When we think this way, we are saying to God that we don’t need Him. He is not big enough to control the situation. It is ungodly to think this way. I say: “God Is Our Strength, therefore he will take charge over my trouble.” God uses people or things to turn around a situation.
My son’s story ended in victory. God used an unidentified person who mailed his license. The envelope had no return address. The person wanted to keep it anonymous. God gets the glory. He answered our prayers and he gets the praise. What a magnificent God we serve! HE IS OUR STRENGTH!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
A GENTLE SPIRIT
When we commit ourselves in Christ’s ways and walk in godliness, that is, in fear of God (reverential), love, and a desire for Him; we discover that the quality of a gentle spirit is an attribute, which God finds of great value to all of us, both men and women. In James 3:17 the trait of being gentle is evidenced by Heavenly wisdom. That means that our conduct should be wise and he continues saying that we have a mature relationship in our walk with the Lord, because of this. Gentleness will be manifested in our lives (it will show) everywhere we go. It is a fruit of the Spirit (gentleness) as stated in Galatians 5:22, 23. This is a result of our walk with God.
God values gentleness in men and women for it is not a visible adornment like: clothes, jewelry, or the latest fashionable hairstyle. Christ himself exemplifies the gift of gentleness. Many men find this trait not “manly” enough. But if Christ himself - a man sets the example, then the message is for all mankind. It is inappropriate to make exceptions to this truth. Gentleness is to be manifested in our Christian walk, our testimony, and speech; and in the way we treat others. To understand the meaning of the term “gentle” it is helpful to know the opposite or antonym of this word. Here are some opposites according to Webster’s Dictionary: harsh; rough; fierce; irritating; forceful; unpleasant, or non agreeable. Now, if I were to know anyone with these traits, I would find them to be very unfriendly. On the other hand, a gentle person is one who possesses an inward grace of the soul. It is one who demonstrates: moderation; patience; cooperation; humbleness; consideration towards others; fair, and a giver. Wouldn’t you’d rather be with such a person?
My friend, gentleness is not a weakness, but strength under control. It emphasizes the active way we should treat others. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) Jesus said to his disciples that the second most important commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But the first is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” If we are to obey his command, then we need to walk in Him and reflect his love in us to others. Some argue we don’t have the personality type conducive to the behavior God desires for us to manifest. (Hog wash!) All of us have strength and weaknesses, but all of God’s word applies to all of us.
If we lack gentleness, the Lord will display his power, and change us, in the areas of our greatest weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10) “The Lord says to you: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” If you need this precious quality of a gentle spirit to be more visible in our daily walk, then ask our heavenly Father for He promises to give: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) BE GENTLE MEANS POWER UNDER CONTROL!
When we commit ourselves in Christ’s ways and walk in godliness, that is, in fear of God (reverential), love, and a desire for Him; we discover that the quality of a gentle spirit is an attribute, which God finds of great value to all of us, both men and women. In James 3:17 the trait of being gentle is evidenced by Heavenly wisdom. That means that our conduct should be wise and he continues saying that we have a mature relationship in our walk with the Lord, because of this. Gentleness will be manifested in our lives (it will show) everywhere we go. It is a fruit of the Spirit (gentleness) as stated in Galatians 5:22, 23. This is a result of our walk with God.
God values gentleness in men and women for it is not a visible adornment like: clothes, jewelry, or the latest fashionable hairstyle. Christ himself exemplifies the gift of gentleness. Many men find this trait not “manly” enough. But if Christ himself - a man sets the example, then the message is for all mankind. It is inappropriate to make exceptions to this truth. Gentleness is to be manifested in our Christian walk, our testimony, and speech; and in the way we treat others. To understand the meaning of the term “gentle” it is helpful to know the opposite or antonym of this word. Here are some opposites according to Webster’s Dictionary: harsh; rough; fierce; irritating; forceful; unpleasant, or non agreeable. Now, if I were to know anyone with these traits, I would find them to be very unfriendly. On the other hand, a gentle person is one who possesses an inward grace of the soul. It is one who demonstrates: moderation; patience; cooperation; humbleness; consideration towards others; fair, and a giver. Wouldn’t you’d rather be with such a person?
My friend, gentleness is not a weakness, but strength under control. It emphasizes the active way we should treat others. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) Jesus said to his disciples that the second most important commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But the first is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” If we are to obey his command, then we need to walk in Him and reflect his love in us to others. Some argue we don’t have the personality type conducive to the behavior God desires for us to manifest. (Hog wash!) All of us have strength and weaknesses, but all of God’s word applies to all of us.
If we lack gentleness, the Lord will display his power, and change us, in the areas of our greatest weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10) “The Lord says to you: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” If you need this precious quality of a gentle spirit to be more visible in our daily walk, then ask our heavenly Father for He promises to give: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) BE GENTLE MEANS POWER UNDER CONTROL!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
STANDING UP FOR JESUS
“For God has not given me a Spirit of fear, but of power
of love and of self-discipline.” 1 Timothy 1:7
It is time to stand up for Jesus. Jesus sat upon the Mount of Olives and his disciples came to him privately saying: “Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of the coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24:3) It is not unusual to ask ourselves, as believers the same question the disciples asked Jesus when we are seeing these signs happening in our times. We would be blind not to admit that truly what is in the Holy Scriptures is coming to pass. We know these things are to happen as signs of Jesus’ return. But like Noah, are we getting ready? When looking closely at this story in Genesis 6:5 that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and much of evil imagination of thoughts was on his mind, does that present a picture of our times? But God sent his servant Noah to warn the people to repent, but they did not listen to him. Instead they mocked him. There are many servants of God preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ today with the same message Noah brought to his generation. The same is preached in our churches, but few are coming to the calling. Why? Because the hearts of many have been harden by what they see around them instead of placing their hope on the only one that gives life everlasting- Jesus Christ. Here are some examples of when we allow our feelings to dictate our actions:
When the apostle Paul was on a ship headed towards Italy, he looked at the dangerous surroundings caused by the winds and waves. He warned to the men that the voyage was going to be disastrous to the ship and their lives. His discernment was not entirely correct. What was going to happen and what actually happen were two different things. (Acts 27:10 & 24) Sometimes our feelings get in the way of facts and of what God is trying to tell us. In Paul’s case, what he saw clouded his judgment. One reason people feel “disappointed in God” is because they rely on their feelings to dictate their actions. Sometimes, fear becomes a factor in not allowing us to seek God’s will. In Paul’s case, he saw the dangers involved and allowed it to lose perspective on God’s promise. Today, we see signs around us that clearly are biblically described as end times. Our stand should not be one of fear or of vagueness to accept His word. We should harness onto our Faith and hope in Jesus Christ who is the only salvation. God’s Word is always true; God always keeps His promises.
Just recently a young boy named Damare was crucified to a chair. His knees and feet were nailed down just because he attended a church service. But when asked how he felt about his abusers, he simply said that he forgave them, because Jesus forgave us.
“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by hour and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true: as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2 Corinthians 6: 4-10) KJV
Jesus is telling us today like he did his disciples, to follow him. Our journey is not one of riches or pleasures on earth, but rather one of sacrifice, and carrying a cross no matter how painful it becomes. Our reward is one that is eternal. Let us stand boldly like Damare, for what we belief is the Truth.
of love and of self-discipline.” 1 Timothy 1:7
It is time to stand up for Jesus. Jesus sat upon the Mount of Olives and his disciples came to him privately saying: “Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of the coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24:3) It is not unusual to ask ourselves, as believers the same question the disciples asked Jesus when we are seeing these signs happening in our times. We would be blind not to admit that truly what is in the Holy Scriptures is coming to pass. We know these things are to happen as signs of Jesus’ return. But like Noah, are we getting ready? When looking closely at this story in Genesis 6:5 that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and much of evil imagination of thoughts was on his mind, does that present a picture of our times? But God sent his servant Noah to warn the people to repent, but they did not listen to him. Instead they mocked him. There are many servants of God preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ today with the same message Noah brought to his generation. The same is preached in our churches, but few are coming to the calling. Why? Because the hearts of many have been harden by what they see around them instead of placing their hope on the only one that gives life everlasting- Jesus Christ. Here are some examples of when we allow our feelings to dictate our actions:
When the apostle Paul was on a ship headed towards Italy, he looked at the dangerous surroundings caused by the winds and waves. He warned to the men that the voyage was going to be disastrous to the ship and their lives. His discernment was not entirely correct. What was going to happen and what actually happen were two different things. (Acts 27:10 & 24) Sometimes our feelings get in the way of facts and of what God is trying to tell us. In Paul’s case, what he saw clouded his judgment. One reason people feel “disappointed in God” is because they rely on their feelings to dictate their actions. Sometimes, fear becomes a factor in not allowing us to seek God’s will. In Paul’s case, he saw the dangers involved and allowed it to lose perspective on God’s promise. Today, we see signs around us that clearly are biblically described as end times. Our stand should not be one of fear or of vagueness to accept His word. We should harness onto our Faith and hope in Jesus Christ who is the only salvation. God’s Word is always true; God always keeps His promises.
Just recently a young boy named Damare was crucified to a chair. His knees and feet were nailed down just because he attended a church service. But when asked how he felt about his abusers, he simply said that he forgave them, because Jesus forgave us.
“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by hour and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true: as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2 Corinthians 6: 4-10) KJV
Jesus is telling us today like he did his disciples, to follow him. Our journey is not one of riches or pleasures on earth, but rather one of sacrifice, and carrying a cross no matter how painful it becomes. Our reward is one that is eternal. Let us stand boldly like Damare, for what we belief is the Truth.
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